Born on Sept. 2nd, daughter of a gardener, Rupa Saini rose to become star of her times. One of the famous Saini Sisters of Patiala, Rupa Saini's career highlight was captaining India at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Her sister Prema too captained India. Rupa Saini later turned out to be a educationist. Headed Physical Education Deptt. of Punjabi University, Patiala.

She was national selector and manager for many years after hung her boot. She was manager of the gold winning 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Rupa represented India for a decade, figuring in all major tournaments, some of which are given below.

Asia Cup - Kyota - 1981 (Gold)
USSR Test Series - 1980
Olympics, Moscow - 1980
World Cup - 1978
Begum Rasul Trophy 1975
World Cup - France - 1974

After retirement from active playing career, she was part of the national federation to select players and accompany them in tours and tournaments.
She was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1975.